Pacers vs Bulls (Slo's pick: Bulls)
As of right now the Bulls are only a half game behind the Raptors for the fifth spot in the east. After an overtime win last night I think the Bulls are going to bounce back and beat a weak Pacers team. It may make matters a little tougher without Joakim Noah making the trip with them. After logging heavy minutes in the overtime win against the Blazers, team doctors have advised him to stay home and receive treatment.
Celtics vs Nets (Slo's pick: Celtics)
The Celtics should win this game in a big time blowout. I'm guessing the Celtics are going leave Paul Pierce dressed in street clothes again because it makes no sense to risk the health of one of your best players on a team who's record is 5-52.
Heat vs Bucks (Slo's pick: Heat)
The Heat are engaged in a race for the playoffs that will take no holiday. It just so happens that another team in the race is the Bucks. That makes this a huge game because whoever wins the season series wins the tiebreaker. So, if they both end the season with identical records whoever won the season series gets the spot. Therefore this is a huge game for both sides.
Knicks vs Grizzlies (Slo's pick: Grizzlies)
The Grizzlies just lost a tough home game to the Bobcats. I usually try to stay away from teams playing on the road on the second half of back to back games but in this case I'm making an exception. The Grizzlies are so much more talented than the Knicks that I feel that rule is nullified.
T'Wolves vs Trailblazers (Slo's pick: Trailblazers)
The Blazers just lost a heartbreaker last night in Chicago however they should beat the T'Wolves fairly easily. They are far more athletic and their guard play far surpasses that of the T'Wolves.
Jazz vs Rockets (Slo's pick: Jazz)
I am absolutely shocked that the Jazz lost to the Kings last night. A team of their caliber should never lose to a team like that. Although it might not seem like it, all of these games are vital come playoff time. These games are what decide home court advantage.
Warriors vs Pistons (Slo's pick: Warriors)
The Warriors match up well with the Pistons and I expect the Pistons to have tired legs after their loss to the Nuggets last night. If the Warriors keep them running they will eventually break down. They're probably going to stay in it for awhile but unless one of their guards gets red hot the Pistons will break down somewhere in the second half.
Slo's record on the season: 476-243
Slo's record last night: 7-5
